The Birmingham Chapter FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association visited the Jefferson County/Birmingham City EMERGENCY OPERAIONS CENTER on August 8, 2015. All enjoyed the presentation by Jim Coker, Director of the EOC, who discussed the purpose and function of the EOC in coordinating and planning for "incidents" in the Birmingham/Jefferson County area. He discussed the planning aspects for events such as the Dali Lama visit to Birmingham last September, the up coming USWNT Soccer exhibition game at Legion Field on Sep 20, 2015, and other items such as VIP visits, etc. The EOC prepares an Incident Plan for each event to be in a prepared state should something happen while the event is in progress. The EOC coordinates with local, state and national law enforcement, fire departments, emergency responders, and others as needed. Dozens of Incident Plans are prepared each year.

We had 16 Alumni and guests attend this event and all expressed satisfaction in the thoroughness and attentiveness required to be prepared for any incident should something happen. Several in attendance were surprised with the operations of the EOC and all the coordination that happen "behind the scenes" to protect the public at various events. The EOC is located 2 stories underground with hardened concrete walls, floors and ceilings.

All enjoyed the 2 hour tour.

Above (left to right): Plaque outside the entrance, alumni and guests gathering before the tour, and the external entrance door to the EOC.